IWhat Does a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Really Do?

At Empower Your Pelvis, we specialize in pelvic health, and today, we want to share what it truly means to be a pelvic health physical therapist and the journey we took to get here.

The Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist

To become a physical therapist, we first completed a four-year undergraduate degree, which could range from kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, or health sciences—anything that includes the necessary prerequisites to apply for physical therapy school.

It’s no secret that physical therapy programs are highly competitive. The application process is rigorous, requiring a strong GPA, a solid score on the GRE, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Personally, the stress of applying to physical therapy school was overwhelming—I even lost my hair! But, it was worth it to pursue a career I’m passionate about.

The Doctoral Journey: Learning the Foundations

Once accepted into a physical therapy program, we committed to a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)program. During these three years, we learned it all—from pediatrics to neurology to orthopedics. Unlike before, when physical therapists graduated with a master’s degree, the DPT includes pharmacology and research-based coursework, giving us the advanced knowledge we need to treat a wide range of conditions.

However, when it comes to the pelvic floor, we only learned the basics in our doctoral program—where the muscles are, what they do, and which nerves are connected. Specialized training in pelvic health happens later, through continuing education.

Specializing in Pelvic Health

Becoming a pelvic health physical therapist requires additional training beyond the DPT program. This means taking continuing education courses focused on bladder, bowel, sexual, and overall pelvic health. These courses allow us to develop tailored treatment plans for our patients, whether they are dealing with incontinence, pelvic pain, or postpartum recovery.

At Empower Your Pelvis, we are particularly passionate about pelvic health. While we work with a variety of patients, including men and those with urological, neurological, and gastrointestinal issues, we also see many pregnant and postpartum patients. This makes us a unique niche within the broader pelvic health specialty.

Continuing Education and Staying Up to Date

Our learning never stops! We are constantly pushing ourselves to stay updated with the latest research and techniques. We take new courses based on our specific passions within pelvic health, ensuring we provide the best possible care for our patients.

Get Professional Help

If you're looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.

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With wellness in your pelvis-

Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)